An assessment of the response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Taraba state has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in north eastern Nigeria. It has many high risk settings 
and increasing behavioural attitudes that enhance the spread of the virus. This study evaluates the response of the 
State Government to the HIV/AIDS pandemic and how the conceptualization of the problem impacts on the 
government’s response in the State. The finding shows that the high risk settings and the behavioural factors 
causing the disease still prevail, if not worsening by the day in the State. These include the presence of alcohol 
drinking ‘joints’ in rural markets all over the State, high level of poverty among both urban and rural dwellers across 
the state, increasing number of widows, orphans and divorcees, especially in the rural areas and the fear of 
stigmatization. Of the 16 LGAs in the State, only 8 general hospitals and 4 referral hospitals have HIV/AIDS testing 
kits and six sites (in 4 LGAs) that provide ART drugs in the State. Other factors compounding the problem include 
the challenges of denial, stigma, discrimination, low literacy levels, poverty and the very low government support for 
HIV/AIDS at the state and Local Government Areas (LGAs) levels. The study recommends adequate funding by way 
of special budgetary allocation to the fight against HIV/AIDS in the State.